Translation and Meaning of: 織る - oru

The Japanese word 織る (おる, oru) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries deep meanings and interesting applications in everyday life in Japan. If you are looking to understand its meaning, translation, or how to use it in sentences, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. Additionally, we will dive into curiosities about its origin and how it appears in Japanese culture, whether in traditional or modern contexts.

Whether for Japanese students or those curious about the language, understanding 織る goes beyond the dictionary. This word is connected to manual activities, art, and even everyday metaphors. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will find detailed explanations to master terms like this, which are essential for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of the language.

Meaning and use of 織る

織る means "to weave" or "to interlace," referring mainly to the act of creating fabrics by crossing threads in an organized manner. However, its use is not limited to the literal sense. In the Japanese language, it can also appear in metaphorical expressions, such as "weaving a story" (物語を織る), indicating the careful construction of a narrative.

In everyday contexts, 織る is more common in discussions about crafts, fashion, or even in descriptions of creative processes. If you visit regions of Japan known for their textile traditions, such as Kyoto or Okinawa, you are likely to hear this word frequently in local workshops and shops.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 織 consists of the radical 糸 (ito, "thread") on the left, which indicates its relation to fabrics, and 戠 (shoku) on the right, which used to represent the sound of the word. This combination is not random – it reinforces the idea of something being created from the intertwining of threads, whether in manual or industrial looms.

Interestingly, this character also appears in terms like 組織 (soshiki, "organization"), showing how the concept of weaving expands into abstract ideas. This versatility makes 織る a valuable word for those studying Japanese at intermediate or advanced levels.

Tips to memorize and use 織る

An effective way to remember 織る is to associate it with concrete images, such as the movement of a loom or the process of making a basket. If you've ever been involved in crafts, this visual connection can be very helpful. Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences like "彼女は布を織っています" (She is weaving a fabric).

For those who enjoy anime or dramas, paying attention to scenes that show weaving workshops or dialogues about crafts can be a natural way to absorb the real use of the word. Many Japanese productions, especially those that depict rural life, often bring this vocabulary in a contextualized manner.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 織る

• 織ります - Polite affirmative form
• 織っています - Progressive form
• 織りません - Negative form, polite
• 織る - Affirmative form, informal
• 織らない - Negative, informal form

Synonyms and similar words

• 編む (amu) - Knitting, as in a piece of clothing or fabric.
• 編み込む (amikomu) - Knit or intertwine, often referring to specific knitting or braiding techniques.
• 編み出す (ami dasu) - Create new weaving techniques or develop a new knit piece.
• 編み物をする (ami mono wo suru) - The act of weaving or knitting.
• 織り上げる (ori ageru) - Finish completely, usually referring to completing a fabric.
• 織り出す (ori dasu) - Start weaving, begin the weaving process.
• 織り込む (ori komu) - Incorporate or intertwine within another material, like in sewing.
• 織り成す (ori nasu) - Form or create a fabric, emphasizing the final result of the weaving process.
• 織り上げる (ori ageru) - Weave completely, finishing the piece of fabric. (Repeated, equivalent to the previous)
• 織り出す (ori dasu) - Start weaving, beginning the process of fabric creation. (Repeated, equivalent to the previous)
• 織り込む (ori komu) - Incorporates or mixes another technique or material into weaving. (Repeated, equivalent to the previous one)
• 織り成す (ori nasu) - Shape and create a fabric, emphasizing the aesthetic result of the fabric. (Repeated, equivalent to the previous one)

織る

Romaji: oru
Kana: おる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to weave

Meaning in English: to weave

Definition: Making fabric by crossing threads.

Example Sentences - (織る) oru

See below some example sentences:

この織物は美しいですね。

Kono orimono wa utsukushii desu ne

This weaving is beautiful

This textile is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 織物 - noun meaning "fabric"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the fabric"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation, in this case, "isn't it?"